Proximity

GRADE: ADVANCED

It's not a walk in the park, but this challenging day hike promises to lift your spirits as high as the Southern Alps.

Ben Lomond saddle, Queenstown

By @percherr

Shotover Canyon, Arthur's Point, Queenstown

By S. Heard

Skyline, Queenstown

By Skyline Queenstown

Moonlight Track, Queenstown

By TRAILSOURCE.COM

Starting at the Queenstown end of the track (it can be done in reverse), catch the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob's Peak. From here follow the path to the Ben Lomond saddle, where you'll have the option of climbing to the summit Ben Lomond (1747 metres). Massive views of the Southern Alps are your reward for this invigorating ascent.

From the Ben Lomond saddle, a series of poles marks the track to Sefferstown, an old mining town. About five minutes below Sefferstown are the remains of the old Moke Creek stone school, which dates back to the 1880s.

The final leg of the journey takes you past huge sluiced-out terraces more remnants from the gold rush. Far below you'll see the Shotover River, once called "the richest river in the world". Watch the jet boats as they ply their trade along the canyon.

More information

Need to know

The Moonlight Track is not a loop, so transport will be required to get you home.